Building



Oct. Z, 1934. H. M. KNIGHT 1,975,156

l BUILDING Filed March 28. 1931 3 'Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. a Figs Fig. 7

INVENTOR HEBBER-r M. KNIGH Octo 2, 1934. H. M. KNIGHT v 1,975,155

BUILDING Y Fil-ed March 28. v1951 3 Sheets-Sheet. 2

v INVENTOR n y HERBERT MKMGHT oct. 2, 1934.

H. M. KNIGHT BUILDING 3 Sheets-Sheet C5v Filed March 28, 1931 n hf. VOY gd? .45.49

gua?? A INVENTORy HERBERT. M KNIGHT 1 Eff@ AOR

Patented Oct. 2, 1934 UNETED STATES PATENT orifice 21 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in buildings and is specifically related to buildings constructed, in whole or in part, of pre-cast slabs, and more specifically to such buildings in which 5 the slabs are made of concrete. l

One of the objects of this invention is to produce a building in which the pre-cast slabs are connected to a structural steel frame; another object of the invention is to produce a building in l which the pre-cast slabs interlock with certain members of such a structural steel frame; another object of the invention is the production of a building in which pre-cast concrete floor members are supported by such a system of combined slabs and steel frame and tied to certain members of such frame; still another object of the invention is the use of special forms of structural steel members in connection with pre-cast wall slabs; still another objectof the invention 20 is the use of means positioning such pre-cast members and such structural steel frame with reference to each other; another object of the invention is the connection of such structural steel frame and said precast wall slabs by means 25 at once positive, interchangeable and elastic; a further object of the invention is to provide a cellular type of pre-cast wall construction in conjunction With a structural steel frame; still another object is to provide such a cellular type of 30 pre-cast wall construction in conjunction with a structural steel frame and provide means in said pre-cast walls to nre-proof said structural steel frame members; another object of the invention is to produce a building in which structural steel members constituting a4 strengthening frame are combined with pre-cast slabs and a veneer of other material forms an outer skin for said building. Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and from the drawings accompanying this application.

I illustrate my invention by the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a horizontal section at a corner on the line 1 1 of Fig. 2; Fig. 2 is a Vertical section on the linel 2 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1 and also corresponds with line 3 3 of Fig.Y 6; Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of a wall at an intermediate point; Fig. 5`is a plan View of a connection clip; Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section of a floor on the line 6 6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a section of a bulb cross column; Fig. 8 is a section of a built-up cross column; Fig. 9 is a section of a built-up H-bulb column; Fig. 10 is a sec- 55 tion of a light weight, extruded column; Fig. 11 is an isometric viewofA a pre-cast Wall slab; Fig. 12

is a view of a circular-jawed connection clip; Fig.

13 is a view of a pin for use in a connection clip; Fig. 14 is a View or" an angular connection clip; Fig. 15 isa cross-section ofva wall showing form 50 pins, taken o n the line 15 15 of Fig. 16 Fig. 16 isa cross-section of a wall showing the forming and the form-pins, taken on the line 16 16 of Fig.

15; Fig. 17 isa vertical section of a single unit Wall on the line 17 17 of Fig. 19; Fig. 18 is a ver- 65 tical section of a single-unit wall on the line 18-18 of Fig. 20; Fig. 19 is a horizontal section of such a wall on the line 19 19 of Fig.. 18; Fig. 20 is a horizontal section of such a wall on the line 2(1 20 of Fig. 18; Fig.` 2l is a horizontal section of the 70 horizontal structural members, shown as channels, on the line 21 21 of Fig.f17; Fig. 22 is a viewof a cornice-block-iron on' the line 22-22 of Fig. 23, and Fig. 23 is an elevation of such an iron on the line 23 23 of Fig. 22.

Referring to the drawings in which similar numbers refer to similar parts: 1 is an interior pre-cast wall slab, 2 an exterior pre-cast wall slab with a veneer 3 outside thereof. Vertical corner structural members 4 rest upon a bed-plate 5, at- 80 tached to a foundation by bolts 6. `Vertical intermediate members 7 aresituated between corner members and horizontal structural members 8 are connected to the vertical members. An annular space 9 exists between exterior and interior 85 pre-cast slabs. Bulbs 10 are upon the extremities of the vertical structural members. Grooves 11 are in the edges of the pre-cast slabs. Clips 12 engage the said bulbs and the said grooves. Slots 13 in said bulbs permit of the application of said 90 clips to said columns. Rabbets le are cast in said slabs and pin-holes 15 are likewise cast in said slabs. Pin-holes 16 are made in said horizontal structural members and pins 17 are inserted in said holes in said members and in said 95 slabs. Form pins 18 are in said slabs .and forms 19 rest upon saidv pins. Fire-proong 20 surrounds said structural members and engages said slabs and said forming. kCornice-blocks 2l rest upon said inner slabs. Floor-slabs 22 are sup- 100 ported by said horizontal members. Bolts 23 pass through holes 24 in said iioor-slab, said bolts having nuts 25 and washers 26 on their lower ends engaging the bottom of said horizontal structural members and bars 27 and nuts 28 on their 105 upper extremities, these latterengaging the top of said floor-slab. Positioning means 29 on said floor-slab engage positioning means 30 on said Wall slab. Cells 31 are cast in said floor-slab and tubes 32 connect said cells with said annular 11.0

space. Nailing strips 33 are cast in said floorslab and floor boards 34 are fastened thereto.

Jaws 35 on said clip are adapted to engage the bulbs of said columns and flares 36 are adapted to engage the said grooves of said pre-cast wall slabs. Loose rivets 37 attach the two parts of the clip movably together and permit movement without separation. Plug-holes 38 are adapted to receive and hold a driven plug 39.

A chase 4G in said cornice-block is adapted to engage a cornice-iron 41 having a fang 42 on one end thereof and flares 43 on another end adapted to engage the horizontal structural members. Pipe dowels 44 are sunk in a dowel hole 45 in said floor-slabs and project within the groove in said pre-cast wall slabs.

Buildings, in which pre-cast concrete slabs or units constitute an important part, are usually so constructed so that the units are connected together by a more or less complete and elaborate frame of concrete, either plain or reinforced. Such a means of uniting the various slabs is usually simple and effective, but difficulties are presented when it is desired to construct lighter structures with thin Walls. This difliculty with the employment of a reinforced concrete frame is largely relieved if structural steel members are employed in place of the reinforced concrete framebut it is very difficult to provide a thoroughly satisfactory means of so connecting the slabs and the structural frame as that they may act together, and such that the cost of such union will not be excessive. This invention overcomes these difficulties by providing a positive connecting means between the units and the structural frame, and at the same time admits of so surrounding the said frame with concrete or other iire-proong medium, as to thoroughly protect the structural frame from the effect of heat. It is to be particularly noted that I make a positive distinction between buildings of concrete with reinforcing bars or the like not erected separate from the concrete or capable of self-support without the concrete', and buildings wherein a structural supporting frame is erected capable of self-support and affording a large percentage of support to the walls, floors and similar parts of the building. Consequently, reference herein to the structural frame or frame members or to metallic structural supporting frames does not include mere reinforcement incorporated in a building and not selfsupporting without the concrete.

Likewise a special section has been devised, such that it is not absolutely necessary to employ rivets in making up the columns or the connections, but a simple form of clip is employed, which slips readily upon the special form of structural shape and also within the groove of the said slab, thereby holding the several parts in fixed and determined relation to each other and to the structure of which they are a part. This results in great economy as it is not necessary to secure the equipment required in case riveting is to be employed, and the operation of erecting the framework is materially hastened, bolts being used in lieu of rivets. All of the riveted portions of the structure are shop driven, and the work of assembly is very rapid.

The type of construction to which this method is particularly applicable, is that or" small homes, walk-up apartments, industrial plants, etc., and is not to be considered as being extended to buildings of great height, in which there is a pronouncedand large variation in the size of the structural members at different points in the elevation of the structure. and because of this limit in applicability there is little, if any, variation in the detail, not only as between different parts of the same structure, but also as between structures of various sizes and uses and at separated points. The element of structural detailing is thereby reduced to a minimum and standardization results, to the extent, that buildings, so far as the structural elements are concerned, can be gotten out in stock, for future demand and use.

While particular and special types of vertical structural members are illustrated, it is not intended to limit the application to such special forms, rolled or extruded in one piece, or of the built-up type, but any such members, whether the result of a rolling or drawing, or whether built-up from a multiple of structural shapes, resulting in the essential characteristics of the forms illustrated, is to be considered as covered by this application, whether particularly referred to in this description, or illustrated in the drawings, or not so referred to or illustrated.

Again, and for the light type of construction illustrated, sections of minimum weight and thickness are usable, such sections as may easily be produced by extrusion rather than rolling, and such extruded sections are to be considered as pertinent to the improvement herein set forth.

A great difficulty with the light type of construction, in which steel and concrete units are used in combination, is an adequate protection of the steel against rust or other deterioration. In this application this protection is secured by surrounding the structural members with an envelope of nre resisting material. Usually this material is of a cementitious character, as some form of concrete, but as it is-not necessary, for the purposes of strength, that this material should be able to resist stresses, it can be, and usually is, made up of a very weak mixture of cinder concrete. This concrete surrounds all of the structural members,

protecting them against heat and nre, and, at the same time, assists in a union of the two major construction elements. Ordinarily it is diicult to pour, and limit the pouring, of such an interior frame, or nre-proofing, but in the method illustrated this is made very easy by the use of formpins, which are either cast into the slabs, or inserted thereinto subsequent to casting, which hold the slight forms required, in substantially determined position, until after pouring has been accomplished.

The form used in connection with the structural frame, which form is supported or confined by pins, is usually of thin material, such as Beaver board. The edges of this board are bevelled, and it is made slightly larger than the aperture, with the result that when the pre-cast units are brought into position, these bevelled edges are crushed, thereby completely closing any cracks or openings between the units and the forming board, sealing all edges against loss of cementitious material.

The horizontal members of the structural frame are relatively light, and much lighter than those employed in ordinary structural frame operations, but as these members are subjected to tensile stresses only, and are supported throughout their length by the slabs, it is at once apparent that a minimum of section is required. The floors are connected to these horizontal members by bolts and nuts, and straps and nuts, which said connecting means may be welded to said horizontal members.

A clip is indicated in the drawings as a means lll lli)

' creasing the strength thereof.

of attaching the slab unitsto the vertical structural members. This clip consists of two parts which are held in slidable relation to each other, permitting of adjustment tothe bulb of the column and to the groove of the unit, and which two parts are subsequently forcibly held in position by a pin driven in an aperture between these two parts.

A bulb-column, either rolled or built-up, is indicated as the preferred type of structural member. But the bulbs of these columns are not continuous, otherwise it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to secure a clip to the bulb, but, as indicated on the drawings, the bulbs are reduced at intervals, thereby permitting the application of the clip, which is then slid up or down upon the bulb to its nal location.

One of the great diiculties, and one of the most costly elements in connection with the construction of a building composed of pre-cast units, resides in the laying ofthe floors. If, as is desirable ina structure otherwise fire-proof, these floors are to be of mass concrete, gypsum, or similar material, it becomes necessary to erect forms and support them in position for several days, before other work can'proceed and before the superstructure above such monolithic floor can be erected. Such delays are expensive 'and retard materially the erection of the structure. In the type of pre-cast construction illustrated the floors, as well as the walls are pre-cast units, either of full span o1' cantilever type, resting at their ends upon the horizontal structural-members and the wall slabs, being bound thereto by bolts or similar fastening means. It therefore becomes possible to immediately proceed with superior slabs and the upper portions of the structureV upon the placing of the iioor units in position, as there is no necessity to wait for any concrete to set.

The preferred type. of floorunit is of cellular construction, thickened at the points of support, and properly reinforced to resist the stresses resultant. This cellular'type of floor construction secures great lightness without diminution in strength. In addition t-o the cavities cast in the iioor units for the purpose of lightness, tubes, for the running of pipes and wires are provided, making the installation of such features much less difiicult. Positioning means are cast both in the wall slabs vand in the floor units, making it possible to erect the same accurately and quickly.

Keys are indicated as inserted in the juxtaposed aligned, re-entrant grooves of adjacent slabs at points where no vertical structural members are situated, such keys uniting adjacent slabs and unifying the structure.

In a building in which pre-cast wall slabs areemployed, and in which such pre-cast slabs are used as interior slabs to make up the interior wall spaces, it is often desirable to present a decorative feature at the ceiling in the form of a moulding or cornice. The production of such a feature as integral with the slab at the time of pouring the same, is difficult, expensive and usually un-satisfactory. In order to overcome these undesirable conditions a cornice-block is introduced, which can bc cast to any form or decorative treatment desired, which block is supported upon the slab below. Again, the use of such a cornice-block acts as a bracket, or cantilever, reducing the clear span of the pre-cast floor unit, thereby reducing the stresses therein and in- Such corniceblocks are tied to the structural members by cornice-irons which hold the blocks in xed position. y

While a composite structure such as has been herein described, due to the many points of con-l nection between structural members and precast slabs, is thoroughly protected against wind stresses, such stresses are provided for, where deemed necessary or desirable, by a system of sway braces connecting the vertical and horizontal members.k The horizontal members usually consist of two channels united at their ends and at intermediate points by welded or riveted filler pieces, and sway bracing is carried from these channels diagonally to the vertical structural members.

On account of the general lightness of construction and the minimum sections employed, welding is the usual meansof making connections. But neither welding nor riveting is to be used exclusively, but both means of making connections may be utilized in the same section, or either so used, to the exclusion of any other means.

What I claim, is:-

1. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, edges to said slabs, said edges having grooves, a` metallic structural self-supporting frame consisting, of vertical members and horizontal members rigidly connected together,v `clips slidable to place within said grooves and upon said frame, and means immovably engaging said clips in said grooves and to said frame. V

2. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, edges to said slabs, said edges having reentrant grooves therein, a metallic structural selfsupporting frame consisting of vertical members and horizontal lmenfibers rigidly connected together, clips having divergent portions slidable to place within said grooves, said clips also slidable upon and engaging said frame, and means immovably engaging said clips in said grooves and to said frame. l

3. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, edges to said slabs, said edges having grooves, a metallic structural` self-supporting frame, clips for securing the slabs to the frame, said vclips being expansible at one end within said grooves and contractible simultaneously at the other end to grip said frame, and means for obtaining the simultaneous expansion of the one end with the contraction of the other end ofthe clips. A

4. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, said slabs having grooves, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, clips for securing the slabs tothe frame, said clips being expansible at one end within said grooves and contractible simultaneously at the other end to grip said frame,

and a wedge for each Vclip for obtaining the simultaneous expansion of the one end with the contraction of the other end. K

5. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, said slabs having grooves, a metallic structural self -supporting frame, clips for securing the slabs to the frame, said clips being expansible at one end within said grooves and contractible simultaneously at the other end to grip said frame, means for obtaining the simultaneous expansion of the one end with the contraction 'of the other end 'of each clip, and acernentitious body within said grooves and surrounding said clips and said frame.

6. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, said slabs being disposed as outer and inner wall slabs, a metallic structural self-supporting frame located between said outer and inner slabs, said frame consisting of Vertical and horizontal members rigidly connected together, means connecting said slabs to the frame, said inner and outer slabs having sockets in the faces directed toward each other, pins in said sockets, said pins in the outer slabs being directed toward the inner slabs and the pins in the inner slabs being directed toward the outer slabs, and forms in contact with said pins.

7. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizo-ntal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and means other than the means rigidly connecting said members connecting said slabs and said frame.

8. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical. planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members .at said points of contact, said members each havinga length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and means other than the means rigidly connecting said members retained in grooves and engaging said frame.

9. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of Contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and means other than the means rigidly connecting said members, slidable to place Within said grooves and upon said frame.

10. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having` edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members positioned in vertical planes and other members positioned in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact and lthe vertical members having bulbededges extending in a vertical direction, means rigidly connecting said vertical and hori v zontal members at the said points of contact, and

other means slidable to place within said grooves and over said bulbed edges.

11. In a building, the combination of pre-cast vslabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members positioned in vertical planes and other members positioned in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact and said vertical members having vertically disposed bulbed` edges spaced longitudinally thereby leaving apertures between the ends of adjacent bulbs and other means insertable through said apertures and slidable upon said bulbs and within said groove to place.

12. In a building, the combination of pre-cast l slabs having edges and having re-entrant grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact,

means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and means other than the means rigidly connecting said members retained in said re-entrant grooves and engaging said frame.

13. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having re-entrant grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, clips slidable to place Within said grooves and upon said frame, means immovably engaging said clips in said grooves and to said frame, and a cementitious body Within said grooves and surrounding said clips and said trame.

14. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and other means connecting said slabs and said horizontal frame members.

15. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of Contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points or" contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, said horizontal members having perforations and said slabs having sockets, said perforations and said sockets being juxtaposed and registering, and pins passing through said perforations and entering said sockets.

16. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, other means connecting said slabs and the said horizontal members, and a cementitious body in contact With said members and said connecting means.

17. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and other means connecting said slabs and said vertical frame members.

18. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes,

said members having points of Contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, and pre-cast loor slabs having superimposed upon said horizontal frame members with the longitudinal dimension ofl said frame members substantially no less than the parallel dimension of said floor slab next thereto.

19. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, pre-cast iioor slabs superimposed upon said horizontal frame members with the longitudinal dimension of said frame members substantially no less than the parallel dimension of said oor slab next thereto, and Vertically disposed Wall slabs superimposed at their lovver edges upon said oor slabs.

20. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame,

said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, pre-cast iioor slabs superimposed upon said horizontal frame members with the longitudinal dimension of said frame members substantially no less than the parallel dimension of said ioor slab next thereto, vertically disposed wall slabs superimposed at their lower edges upon said iioor slabs, and means connecting the door slabs and said horizontal members.

21. In a building, the combination of pre-cast slabs having edges and having grooves in said edges, a metallic structural self-supporting frame, said frame consisting of members in vertical planes and other members in horizontal planes, said members having points of contact, means rigidly connecting said members at said points of contact, said members each having a length substantially no less than the dimension of the slab next thereto, cornice blocks superimposed on said'slabs, and means connecting said horizontal members and said cornice blocks.

HERBERT M. KNIGHT. 

